Understanding Hair Follicle Drug Testing

October 23, 2018

Many workplaces drug test their employees. Up until recently, these drug tests were usually urine tests, which are fairly easy to outsmart. Recently, though, hair screening methods have been growing in popularity due primarily to how difficult it is for employees to beat them.

This may be good news for employers, but it can make life difficult for those who want to keep their jobs without giving up cannabis and other recreational drugs. These employees can read on to find out more about hair follicle drug tests and how to beat them.

What Do They Screen For?

Most employers utilize a five-panel test. These tests test for cannabinoids, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP, though it is possible for other substances to show up in hair follicle tests as well. While it’s difficult to detect marijuana in these samples, THC can still wind up binding to hair follicles so it’s not safe to assume that those who use marijuana exclusively will be safe.

How Long Do Substances Remain in Hair Follicles?

The length of time that substances can be detected in hair follicles varies based on the test. Most tests are able to detect those drugs mentioned in the previous section for at least 90 days, which makes it difficult for employees to simply abstain from using them when they know that they’ll be tested. Plus, testers who take samples from further away from the scalp can raise their detection windows significantly.

Are There Any Tricks to Beat Them?

While the only way to be sure of passing a hair follicle test is to completely abstain from using drugs, there are a few tricks that can help. Specialized detox shampoos and products such as Quickfix-Ultrapure are available to provide a short-term solution. These shampoos wash away chemical products without making it obvious that employees are trying to mask their hair.

It makes much more sense to purchase a detox product than it does to add harsh dyes, as this alerts the tester to the fact that the employee is attempting to mask their substance use. The reality is that the only method short of complete abstinence that has proven successful is to purchase specialized hair treatment products and use them prior to testing.